The fish and shellfish are sold mainly to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, although some of this fresh product finds its way in refrigerated trucks further north.
Temperatures can reach as high as 49 °C, which is why the best time to visit is between December and March when the temperatures are mild and pleasant.
Prior to the discovery of oil in the country, the wealthiest group class was arguably made up of the merchant families, many of them Indian in origin, language, and culture; a particular Omani community, mainly of Hyderabadi origin, also accumulated some wealth through trade in foodstuffs.